Mental health an ‘absolute priority’ for Scottish Government

Minister speaks about the importance of new role

Commenting on her new role as Mental Health Minister at the end of Mental Health Awareness Week, Maureen Watt said:

“I am extremely proud to be appointed as Scotland’s first dedicated Mental Health Minister, and the first in the UK. Starting my new position during Mental Health Awareness Week makes it particularly special for me – a reminder of what an important role it is.

“Mental Health is an absolute priority of this government, demonstrated by the fact that we have committed an additional £150 million to improve mental health services. Some of that has already been invested in innovation; improving access to child and adolescent mental health services and psychological therapies; and primary care. I look forward to announcing more details of how the remainder will be spent in the coming weeks and months. Later this year we will be publishing a ten year strategy to improve mental health and services – I see this as the centrepiece of this Government’s focus on improving Mental Health.

“We are currently working on the development of the next Strategy, and over the last few months we have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders including people who use services, service providers and professional bodies. The Scottish Association for Mental Health and Voices of Experience also hosted engagement events and the Strategy will be informed by all of the comments and input that we have received.

“I want us to focus more on prevention and early intervention. By addressing mental health problems as early as possible, we can prevent people from becoming more distressed, and improve access to services when needed by reducing pressure on the NHS.

“We need to think about new and innovative ways to improve mental health. That means looking for approaches that go beyond traditional health settings. It will also mean taking advantage of the well-known links between physical health and mental wellbeing. If we can get people more active, the benefits are enormous. We want to tackle the 15-20 year difference in life expectancy for people living with serious mental illness.

“Around 90 per cent of mental health problems are dealt with in primary care settings, so this will be a priority area for us. Part of the £150 million will be used to fund new ways of responding to these issues in and around GP surgeries.

“In recent years we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of people accessing mental health services. If that means more people are prepared to ask for help rather than suffer in silence, that should be welcomed. NHS boards are seeing more people than ever before, but I’m clear that more work needs to be done to meet the waiting time standards we have set.

“Finally I want to say something about the stigma which still exists around mental health. It is completely wrong that people with mental health issues suffer discrimination and stigma. Sadly too many still do.

“The Scottish Government, in collaboration with Comic Relief, funds the See Me initiative to help address this, and they do valuable work. But the truth is that each and every one of us has it within our power to do our bit to end this stigma, and to be more understanding of people who have mental health problems.”

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK STATEMENT

This Mental Health Awareness Week See Me we are calling on everyone to start talking more about mental health and to be there for each other.

Mental health is part of everyone’s day to day life, it affects all of us, but there is still a stigma around it.

To tackle this properly people need to understand that it is okay not to be okay, however it is not okay for anyone to suffer alone in silence.

You don’t have to be an expert to speak about mental health, just asking someone if they are okay can be a powerful thing.

We need to change the culture around mental health so people with mental health problems to feel confident enough to talk, without the fear that they will be stigmatised and discriminated against.

No one should ever be made to feel ashamed or embarrassed to tell anyone that they experience mental health problems.

For move information visit

https://www.seemescotland.org/

Changing minds: government supports new physical activity programme

People with mental health problems will be encouraged to become more physically active following a near £1 million investment from the Scottish Government. The programme, a collaboration between the Scottish Government and mental health charity SAMH, will build on the well-established links between physical activity and improved mental wellbeing. Continue reading Changing minds: government supports new physical activity programme

It’s good to talk … and listen

Monday was National Breathing Space Day and it also marked the launch of Scotland’s Year of Listening.

The annual awareness day, which urges people in Scotland to take some ‘breathing space’ to look after their mental wellbeing, encourages us to take time to listen.

The Year of Listening is an initiative promoted by Breathing Space and Living Life mental health telephone services to highlight that listening, and being listened to, is good for your mental health.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, said: “We like to think we are good listeners but often find ourselves not truly listening. Talking through your problems is great but it can only help if you feel like you are being heard and perhaps understood.

“Relationships and friendships, where we feel listened to, can have a huge positive impact on our sense of wellbeing. This Year of Listening is a reminder for us all to try to be better listeners. Whether you are a friend, parent, sibling, colleague, spouse, neighbour or carer, take time to listen.”

Breathing Space is a free telephone service where advisors offer listening and advice to anyone feeling low, depressed or anxious. The service is open evenings and weekends on 0800 83 85 87.

The Year of Listening launch is being promoted by a number of national organisations and supported by Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health.

Mr Hepburn said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is crucial. An important part of this is listening empathetically to friends, family or colleagues. Listening carefully and providing support in response can help people to feel a stronger sense of connection, helping to support confidence and wellbeing.

“The Breathing Space telephone advice line and the NHS Living Life service provide an invaluable service for people experiencing low mood, depression and anxiety. It can make such a difference to know that there’s someone there who is willing to listen and offer an empathetic ear. I’d like to thank the Breathing Space and NHS Living life teams for the tremendous work they do to support positive mental health and wellbeing.”

Coping with a not-so-Merry Christmas

For most people, Christmas is a happy time – but that’s not the case for everyone …

For some, it is a source of stress and anxiety which means this time of year is not enjoyable at all and can make their physical and mental health suffer. Many people find their feelings of grief are much harder to cope with, too. Continue reading Coping with a not-so-Merry Christmas

Living Well AGM

Living Well North Edinburgh Annual General Meeting

Thursday 3 November 12 noon

Living Well North Edinburgh AGM 2015 Invite0001

Winter Magic: Redhall Walled Garden Open Day

Sunday 13 December 12 – 3pm

Redhall Winter Open Day 2015 – Poster

Redhall Walled Garden is holding a community Winter Open Day on Sunday 13 December (12-3pm)

We will be offering :-

‘Spot the Snowman’ treasure trail
Children’s activities
Holly Wreaths for Sale
Cream teas
Beautiful Gardens

Redhall Walled Garden

97 Lanark Road, Edinburgh EH14 2LZ

Telephone 0131 443 0946

https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gifh

Milestone reached as Penumbra wins health award

Penumbra Milestone wins innovation award

An Edinburgh service for people with Alcohol Related Brain Damage (ARBD) has been recognised for its innovative approach at this year’s Scottish Health Awards, held in the capital this week. Continue reading Milestone reached as Penumbra wins health award

You need friends: new report focuses on teenagers’ mental health

‘Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health’ – Alison Johnstone MSP

Relationships with friends, playing sport at least once a week and reading books all have a positive effect on mental wellbeing in teenagers, according to a new report.

Mental Health and Wellbeing among Adolescents in Scotland looks at trends and key associations for the mental health of boys and girls aged 13 and 15.

The report found that friendships and a positive experience of school are the two things most closely aligned with mental wellbeing. Other factors with a close positive association include expecting to go to university and belonging to a club.

Higher levels of deprivation and poorer physical health both correlate with lower levels of mental wellbeing.

Overall, levels of mental wellbeing have remained largely stable since 2006. Conduct problems, hyperactivity and inattention and social behaviour have improved since 2006. Emotional and peer relationship problems have worsened, which is largely attributable to an increase in the numbers of 15-year-old girls reporting emotional problems.

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said: “I welcome this report, which contains useful data that will improve our understanding of why some teenagers experience poor mental health. It’s encouraging to see positive movements in several measures of mental wellbeing, including hyperactivity, conduct problems and social behaviour.

“Child and Adolescent Mental health is a key priority for the Scottish Government. We have recently announced an additional £100 million of funding for mental health services over the next five years. Some of this will be directed towards further improving child and adolescent mental health services. This is on top of a £19.8 million investment since 2009/10 that has led to a 70 per cent increase in the number of specialist psychologists working in this area.

“Every school in Scotland has access to a specialist in mental health, who can be contacted for advice and on-going support if teachers have concerns about any pupils.

“We know that the patterns and prevalence of different mental health problems through childhood and adolescence vary according to age, gender and deprivation. It is essential that services match their interventions to this dynamic background.

“The apparent increase in the number of 15-year-old girls who are experiencing emotional problems is something that we will look at carefully. We have seen a significant increase in the number of young people asking for help with their mental health in recent years, which may be attributable to greater awareness and lower stigma.”

Alison Johnstone MSP, health and wellbeing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, urged ministers to act on the report, which shows a sharp decline in teenage girls’ emotional wellbeing.

The report highlights a Scottish Schools Survey showing that while fewer young people have conduct problems in 2013 compared to 2006, emotional problems have worsened, with 15 year old girls particularly affected. In 2010, 28 per cent of 15 year olds girls had a borderline or abnormal emotional problems score. This increased to 41 per cent in 2013.

Other surveys in the report also show girls have worse mental health and wellbeing than boys. Just 4 per cent of 15 year old girls always feeling confident, compared to 15 per cent of 15 years old boys.

Alison Johnstone MSP said: “These are significant findings and must be investigated further. The sharp drop in emotional wellbeing of 15 year old girls in recent years is a cause for concern and we should draw on the experiences of pupils, parents and teachers to understand what is causing this and how to turn the situation around.

“In general we know that good mental health and wellbeing among young people is at risk if they have fewer friends, dislike school and feel pressured. Encouraging support networks in and out of school and helping pupils play an active part in how their school is run would seem sensible steps to pursue. The finding that girls who play sport on a weekly basis have lower levels of emotional and behavioural problems underlines the need to invest in active lifestyles in and out of school.

“Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Ensuring good mental health in young people helps them grow into resilient adults able to handle life’s ups and downs.”

A home for Angus: College supports mental health campaign

Edinburgh College gives Black Dog a home to help raise mental health awareness Continue reading A home for Angus: College supports mental health campaign

Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival opens today

Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival launches today – World Mental Health Day

A national Ats and Film Festival tackling the stigma of mental health opens in Edinburgh this weekend, celebrating its ninth year.

Over 60 events are scheduled to take place across Lothian as part of the 2015 Mental Health Arts and Film Festival, making it one of the largest social justice festivals in the world, (SMHAFF) with performing arts, literature, photography, comedy and dance all set to feature.

The Festival officially opens today – World Mental Health Day – and this year explores the theme of ‘passion’

Linda Irvine Strategic Programme Manager, Mental Health and Wellbeing, NHS Lothian, said: “One in four people in Scotland will experience mental health problems at some point in their life but it is still something which attracts significant stigma.

“Through the many powerful, inspiring and provocative events taking place this year, the Festival aims to open up conversations about mental health and go some way towards challenging discrimination.”

Gail Aldam, Festival Manager, Scottish Mental Health and Arts Festival, said “We are delighted with the scale and scope of the events taking place in Edinburgh and Lothian this year and are struck by the passion that the planning team have for using art to give a voice to marginalised groups, challenging social injustice and instigating change.

“There really is something for everyone in the programme, offering an inspiring range of arts activities from spoken word to visual arts to music, across the region.”

Highlights of this year’s Festival include:

Out of Sight, Out of Mind A series of powerful and compelling exhibitions taking place at venues and galleries across Edinburgh featuring work from artists with experience of mental health issues. Returning to the Festival for a third year, these events aim to get us thinking and talking about mental health and challenge preconceptions.

A Play, A Pie and A Pint: Decent, a play by Linda Duncan McLaughlin has a special five day run at the Traverse (Tues 20^th-Sat 24^th Oct)
To celebrate Arthur Miller’s centenary, Rapture Theatre present a new production of The Last Yankee, one of the legendary writer’s final great plays which is touring throughout Lothian.
Rally & Broad An eclectic mix of spoken word, authors and music, the line-up features LOKI, one of Scotland’s most powerful and political performers (Fri 23^rd Oct, Bongo Club, Edinburgh)
In the Shadow of the Castle an evening of spoken word reflecting on the Gretna train disaster in the spectacular setting of Edinburgh Castle’s Great Hall (Thurs 22^nd Oct)
The Wellbeing Mela A free, fun, family day to celebrate diversity and promote positive mental health and wellbeing amongst Edinburgh’s varied minority ethnic communities. Music, dance, complementary therapies, relaxation workshops and lots more (Sunday 11th Oct, Out of the Blue)
Push Me Pull Me Join the Writing Mums, poet Jenny Lindsay and singer-songwriter Polly Phillips, for an evening of prose and poetry (Wed 28^th Oct, Dunbar Library)

There is also a wide ranging film programme curated from the more than 400 entries submitted to the Festival by filmmakers from across the globe. The winners will be recognised at a special awards ceremony hosted at the Filmhouse on 29 October.

Highlights of the film programme include the Scottish premiere of documentary Dancing With Maria, telling the story of Argentinian dancer Maria Fux who welcomes dancers from all backgrounds, including men and women with physical and mental impairments, to her Buenos Aires studio and Ida’s Diary – a powerful film that has been used by many mental health organisations for training and awareness raising purposes.

Details of all events taking place as part of this year’s Festival can be found at: www.mhfestival.com

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO)

World Mental Health Day 2015

Thousands of people with mental health conditions around the world are deprived of their human rights. They are not only discriminated against, stigmatised and marginalised but are also subject to emotional and physical abuse in both mental health facilities and the community. Poor quality care due to a lack of qualified health professionals and dilapidated facilities leads to further violations.

The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, observed on 10 October, is “Dignity in mental health”. This year, WHO will be raising awareness of what can be done to ensure that people with mental health conditions can continue to live with dignity, through human rights oriented policy and law, training of health professionals, respect for informed consent to treatment, inclusion in decision-making processes, and public information campaigns.

Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn comments on World Mental Health Day:

“On World Mental Health day, I am proud to be the first Scottish minister with mental health in my job title. While this is a sign of how seriously we take this issue – I want us to be judged on the actions, not words.

“Demand for services is increasing significantly. The number of people seen by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services has risen by 30 per cent in the last year – more than 1,000 extra patients in the quarter ending June 2015. To respond to this we are investing heavily in the workforce. For example, we’ve seen a 70 per cent increase in the number of CAMHS psychologists working in Scotland’s health service since 2009/10.

“Yes, there are challenges, but we have also made great progress. Waiting times have decreased significantly, we have better data to drive improvement, and the number of deaths by suicide are their lowest level since 1977. This doesn’t mean we’re complacent. More progress is needed and we continue to work with health boards to attract more staff and bring waiting times down further. That’s one of the reasons why we’ve committed to invest an extra £100 million in mental health over the next five years. This funding will also be used to promote wellbeing, improve patient rights and develop better responses to mental illness in primary care.

“We’re moving towards the end of our current mental health strategy and are assessing what the strategy has achieved. Once we have a clear picture of our progress against the 36 commitments we set, we will then decide the best focus for the next strategy.

“The 2015 Mental Health Act will strengthen the framework for mental health legislation making the system more effective and efficient, and promoting patient involvement in their care, through strengthening the position of advocacy and advance statements.

“Mental health has deservedly moved up the agenda and that’s something we can all welcome. As treatment improves and the stigma of mental illness decreases, we will see more people coming forward to ask for help. I’m determined that we are able to meet that challenge.”